Loading Books to Sony Reader

[MR. Pockets]

Is the Sony software required to load books (either DRM or non-DRM) to the USB only Sony Readers?

[FizzyWater]

You don't need the Sony software to load non-DRM books to the USB-only Sony Reader.

I don't load DRM'd books to my Reader (or if I do, I do use the Sony software). But I've seen people say here over and over you don't need the Sony software if you aren't going to buy books from Sony. So I think that means you can use Adobe Digital Editions to send DRM'd books directly to your reader.

[doreenjoy]

If your books don't have DRM, you don't even need ADE. You can attach the reader to your computer via USB and drag and drop the files to the Readers.

[MR. Pockets]

Ok, thanks. I'm considering getting one of the USB Readers but don't want a reader that requires specific software. Since the release of the new Sony Readers, I have been thinking that they might be the best line if you don't want access to Amazon's bookstore.

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by MR. Pockets

Ok, thanks. I'm considering getting one of the USB Readers but don't want a reader that requires specific software. Since the release of the new Sony Readers, I have been thinking that they might be the best line if you don't want access Amazon's bookstore.

I'd agree with that. Sony Readers show up like another drive on your computer.

Same is true of other readers; Cybook by Bookeen comes to mind. You might want to poke around other forums to see if another device suits you better.

[Solitaire1]

Originally Posted by MR. Pockets

Is the Sony software required to load books (either DRM or non-DRM) to the USB only Sony Readers?

I haven't had to use the Sony Reader Software (SRS) with my ereader except when loading ebooks that I purchased from the Sony Ebook Store. Due to my frustration with the software I searched for alternative and (based on the recommendations in these forums) found Calibre.

I've found Calibre a vast improvement over the SRS. It has many features not available in the SRS, including the ability to convert ebooks from one format to another. I now use it for all of my ebook management and to load ebooks on my Sony Reader's internal memory and on the memory card.

[neilmarr]

Like Solitaire, Mr Pockets, I'd recommend the excellent Calibre library software. I use a Sony but haven't touched Sony software in two years -- everything I have is handled by Calibre. Good luck. Neil

[4-eyes]

I've had a Sony eReader for over 2 years now and have never even installed the Sony software. I've always used Calibre.

[lack]

I just got my reader for few days and followed good fellows' advice here to use calibre instead. You will only need sony software to access sony's ebook store, of course. Even then you can still use calibre for everything else.

I am a fan of reasonably priced sony's product but I can say nothing worthwhile about their softwares.

[astra]

I use Sony Reader Software only. 4 years. Very easy to use and intuitive for uploading ebooks to Sony ebook reader. Although, uploading is the only function of the s/w I am using.

[SeaBookGuy]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

I'd agree with that. Sony Readers show up like another drive on your computer.

Mine actually appears as two drives - the reader and the "workings"(?).

Lack:

If you get a card from the Philadelphia Library to download books from them via Overdrive, you will need
to install (though not necessarily use) Sony Library, in addition to Adobe.

[JSWolf]

I use Reader library to load content onto my Reader and it's worked very well for that. Also it's very easy to sort out collections as well.

[lack]

Originally Posted by SeaBookGuy

If you get a card from the Philadelphia Library to download books from them via Overdrive, you will need
to install (though not necessarily use) Sony Library, in addition to Adobe.

I see. So DRM uses will need Adobe Digital Editions and Sony Library registration (device key that comes with the package?). Thank you, I'll keep that in mind.